The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is situated in a crater of a long extinct volcano.
It is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its type in the world, the rare rock types and formations make it a unique geological feature.
Pilanesberg used to be farmland, but in 1979 the “Operation Genesis” started the relocation of about 7000 animals into what is today the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
There are several reasons that made the Park one of the most popular parks in South Africa – no malaria, the Big 5 plus cheetah, leopard, brown hyena and the majestic sable antilope, the park’s natural beauty and the great abundance of animals.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province, adjacent to Sun City. The Park offers an affordable Malaria free Big Five Safari - ideal for guests and travellers whose budget might not stretch to the luxury prices of other reserves in Africa. It is only about 200km from Johannesburg (Pretoria is even closer), which allows travellers to do even daytrips to Pilanesberg on their own. Make use of google maps for a detailled and individual route description. Finding the appropriate accommodation in the area is no problem at all. You can find everything from basic B&B to the fancy hotels in Sun City. Only backpackers/hostels cannot be found close to Pilanesberg.

Accommodation in & around Pilanesberg

Pilanesberg and nearby Sun City are defo some of the prime tourist attractions in South Africa's North West Province and neighboring Gauteng. No backpacker hostels in & around the Park, but a good number of lodges, guesthouses and bed & breakfasts can be found, as well as the hotels of the famous Sun City.

If you fancy an organised trip to South Africa's fourth largest National Park, check the following tours:

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A Day at Pilanesburg Game Reserve – from Johannesburg

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is South Africa's fourth largest game reserve, and is two hours from Johannesburg. This 500 square kilometres national park lies in the crater of a 1200 million year old extinct volcano.
In this transitional zone between the Kalahari Desert and Lowveld (a tropical savanna), you'll see a variety of vegetation as you explore the surrounding mountains and the savanna of the park. The area around Mankwe Lake is particularly stunning with its towering rocky outcrops.
The Reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, hippo, rhiono and buffalo), as well as the white rhinos, giraffes, a variety of antelopes, zebras, hyenas and African wild dogs. Keep your binoculars handy and spot many of the region's birds.
With an impressive variety of wildlife, birds and diverse vegetation, Pilanesberg Game Reserve is the ideal place to appreciate South Africa's game and vegetation diversity.

Sun City Tour – From Johannesburg

In an extinct volcano crater lies Africa's kingdom of pleasure, the exotic Sun City! It is one of the biggest resorts in the world and is often called the 'Las Vegas' of South Africa.
This fantasy world has four hotel complexes, and the most resplendent of them all is the Lost City, filled with a myriad attractions. Enjoy a walk on the rumbling Bridge of Time, flanked by statues of life-size elephants. There is lots of excitement in store at the Valley of Waves where a pool with a wave machine creates 1.8 metre high waves every 90 seconds! Other must-see sights here include the Palace of the Lost City, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful hotels in the world, with intricate carvings, mosaics, frescoes and hand painted ceilings.
With casinos, two of South Africa's best golf courses, sports activities and loads of entertainment, the Sun City entertainment complex is most certainly one of the best holiday venues in the world.